Converting Armory Into Huntington Community Center To Cost $10M

It will cost $10 million to convert the former New York State Armory into a community center that will be named after the late Assemb. James Conte, the Town of Huntington says.

The 1958-vintage, 22,500-square foot building will be transformed into a space that offers:

• Arts and crafts
• Computer lab
• Recording studio
• All-purpose gymnasium
• Strength training
• CrossFit
• Rock climbing and exercise area
• Senior/veterans meeting area
• Multipurpose room
• Classrooms
• Office space
• Elevated indoor running/walking track
• Full-court basketball court
• Veterans canteen run by the Greenlawn American Legion Post 1244
• Possible outdoor uses: an amphitheater, meditation gardens, a spiritual walk and bench seating

Earlier this month, the Town Board approved the 2018 Town budget, which includes $3.75 million for the first phase of work at the armory. The Town also obtained a $1.5 million state grant to support the project. The community center project is expected to be completed in 2019.

“Many of you know that Jimmy worked very hard to retain this facility for the residents of the Town of Huntington,” Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said in a press release. “We know that his special love when he served in the Assembly was for Huntington Station, where he grew up, where he raised a family and where he lived. It is so appropriate that this facility would be named after him and to unveil what the plans look like.”

About Conte, courtesy of the Town of Huntington:

“Conte was a lifelong resident of Huntington Station, attending elementary school at St. Hugh of Lincoln R.C. Church and Huntington High School. He graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in economics and political science and worked for various state legislators before being elected to the Assembly in 1988. He served in that body for 24 years, rising to the post of minority leader pro tem, the Republicans’ second-ranking post. A two-time kidney transplant recipient, he was a leading advocate for organ donation and championed Lauren’s Law, which seeks to increase organ and tissue donations. He passed away in October 2012, losing his courageous fight against T-cell lymphoma. He was survived by his wife, Debra; a son, Jeffrey; and two daughters, Sarah and Samantha.”

Petrone sponsored the resolution to name the community center after Conte shortly after his passing.

Image via Town of Huntington